Assembly Approves Hollywood Tax Credit Expansion

Trying to match generous tax incentives in other states and keep entertainment production jobs here, the California Assembly on Wednesday approved an expanded version of its tax credit program for the film and television industries.

The Assembly voted 71-0 to pass Assembly Bill 1839, which now goes to the state Senate.

The current program is not open to big-budget feature films or to one-hour TV series seen on broadcast or premium TV networks. The bill approved Wednesday would allow those productions to qualify for tax credits as well.

The expanded program is a reaction to the flight of film jobs to New Mexico, New York and other states that have lured film producers with generous tax breaks and other incentives.